Care and support

Attendance Allowance

What it is

Attendance allowance is paid to you if you have an illness or disability which means you need help throughout the day and/or night to look after yourself, or you need someone to keep an eye on you to keep you safe.

The sort of things you might need help with include getting in/out of bed; washing; dressing; eating and drinking; moving around the house; getting to and using the toilet; taking medicines; seeing and communicating.

You might need someone to keep an eye on you because you are forgetful, or easily confused, or at risk of causing harm to yourself or others.

You do not actually have to be getting this help in order to qualify - if it is reasonably required (not medically required) you can get the benefit.

Attendance allowance is not means-tested so it does not matter what other income or savings you have. It is also tax-free.

Who can claim?

You must be aged 65 or over to claim AA. If you are aged under 65 then see disability living allowance below.

You normally will have needed help for six months before benefit can be claimed but there are special rules if you have a terminal illness and these may mean you can claim sooner. A claim can be made on your behalf if you cannot manage your own affairs.

How much is paid?

There are two levels of benefit. If you need help during the day or night then the lower rate may be paid. If you need help during both the day and night, or are terminally ill, then the higher rate may be paid.

How to claim

You can get the attendance allowance claim pack from the Pension Service office, or by ringing the Benefits Enquiry Line tel: 0800 882200 (Textphone 0800 24 33 55). The claim form will be stamped with two dates. The first date will be the date you contacted them and as long as you return the form to the Disability Benefits Centre by the second date (you have six weeks) your claim will be treated as made on this day.

For more information click on attendance allowance & disability living allowance or extra money if you are aged 60 or over